One-Way Car Rentals in Patagonia: Costs, Limitations & Options
Complete guide to one-way car rentals in Patagonia. Learn about drop-off fees, cross-border restrictions, available routes, and smart alternatives for linear itineraries.
Planning a linear journey through Patagonia? The idea of renting a car in one location and dropping it off in another seems perfect for exploring this vast region. However, one-way car rentals in Patagonia face unique challenges that can significantly impact your budget and itinerary.
This guide provides realistic expectations about one-way rental availability, costs, cross-border restrictions, and smart alternatives to help you plan the most practical and cost-effective Patagonia road trip.
What Are One-Way Car Rentals?
A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a vehicle in one city and return it to a different location. This is ideal for linear itineraries where you don't want to backtrack to your starting point.
Why travelers want one-way rentals in Patagonia:
- Linear routes: Drive the full Carretera Austral without returning north
- Cross-border trips: Pick up in Chile, drop off in Argentina (or vice versa)
- Time efficiency: Avoid retracing the same roads
- Regional exploration: Visit multiple destinations without circling back
Popular desired one-way routes:
| Route | Distance | Why It's Appealing |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas → El Calafate | 280 km | Cross into Argentina, visit glaciers |
| El Calafate → Puerto Natales | 280 km | Argentina to Chilean Patagonia |
| Punta Arenas → Ushuaia | 600 km | Complete southern Patagonia traverse |
| Puerto Montt → Punta Arenas | 1,500+ km | Full Carretera Austral journey |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 790 km | Argentine Patagonia end-to-end |
Unfortunately, the reality of one-way availability and costs often forces travelers to reconsider their plans.
The Reality: Very Limited Options
One-way car rentals in Patagonia are significantly more restricted than in North America or Europe. Here's what you need to know:
Within-country one-way rentals:
- Available on some routes but limited
- Typically cost $100-$400 USD extra in drop-off fees
- Not all rental locations participate in one-way programs
- Must be confirmed at booking (not always visible online)
Cross-border one-way rentals (Chile ↔ Argentina):
- Almost impossible to arrange
- Very few companies offer this service
- When available, expect to pay 2-3x normal rental rates
- Additional fees can exceed $500 USD
- Requires special permits and coordination
Why one-way rentals are so limited in Patagonia:
- Vehicle repatriation costs: Moving cars back to origin through remote areas is expensive
- Fleet imbalance: Popular routes create one-way demand that concentrates vehicles in certain cities
- Cross-border complexity: Different insurance, permits, and regulations between Chile and Argentina
- Small rental fleets: Local companies can't afford to have vehicles stranded far from their base
- Limited demand: Not enough travelers going the opposite direction to balance the flow
Drop-Off Fees by Route
When one-way rentals are available, drop-off fees vary dramatically based on distance and whether you're crossing borders.
Within Chile (Same Country)
| Route | Distance | Typical Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales | 250 km | $50-$100 USD | Common |
| Puerto Montt → Coyhaique | 570 km | $150-$250 USD | Limited |
| Coyhaique → Punta Arenas | 650 km | $200-$300 USD | Very Limited |
| Puerto Montt → Punta Arenas | 1,500+ km | $300-$400+ USD | Rare |
Within Argentina (Same Country)
| Route | Distance | Typical Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 790 km | $150-$250 USD | Limited |
| El Calafate → El Chalten | 220 km | $80-$120 USD | Moderate |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1,600 km | $300-$400+ USD | Very Limited |
Cross-Border (Chile ↔ Argentina)
| Route | Distance | Typical Fee | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Arenas → El Calafate | 280 km | $300-$500+ USD | Extremely Rare |
| Puerto Natales → El Calafate | 280 km | $300-$500+ USD | Extremely Rare |
| Any Chile → Argentina route | Varies | $400-$600+ USD | Almost Impossible |
Important: These fees are in addition to your base rental cost. A 5-day rental that costs $300 might have a $400 one-way fee, more than doubling your total cost.
Which Companies Offer One-Way Rentals
Not all rental companies participate in one-way programs. Here's what to expect from major providers:
International Chains
Europcar
- Occasionally offers same-country one-way rentals
- Limited routes, must confirm at booking
- Cross-border one-way: Extremely rare
- Contact: reservas@europcar.cl or +56 600 2000 000
Hertz
- Same-country one-way on select routes
- Chile and Argentina locations don't coordinate cross-border
- Higher drop-off fees than competitors
- Contact: reservas@hertz.cl or +56 600 300 3040
Budget
- Limited one-way availability
- Mainly within same city/region (e.g., airport to downtown)
- Long-distance one-way rarely available
- Contact: reservas@budget.cl or +56 2 2795 3900
Avis
- Similar policies to Budget
- One-way availability varies by location
- Patagonia locations may not participate
Local Patagonian Companies
General policy: Most local rental companies in Patagonia (Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, El Calafate, El Chalten, Ushuaia) do NOT offer one-way rentals at all.
Why local companies don't offer one-way:
- Small fleets can't afford vehicles stuck in distant cities
- Logistics of retrieving vehicles too expensive
- Business model built around round-trip rentals
Important: Always verify one-way policies in writing before booking. Phone confirmation or email confirmation protects you from misunderstandings.
Cross-Border One-Way Specifics
Cross-border one-way rentals between Chile and Argentina face unique challenges that make them nearly impossible to arrange.
Why Cross-Border One-Way Is So Difficult
1. Vehicle repatriation costs
- Company must pay someone to drive the car back across the border
- International fuel, tolls, and time costs add up quickly
- Can cost $300-$500 USD just to return the vehicle
2. Different insurance requirements
- Chilean insurance doesn't cover Argentina (and vice versa)
- Special cross-border insurance policies required
- Administrative complexity increases costs
3. Permit requirements
- Chile requires "Permiso de Salida" (exit permit) for rental cars
- Argentina requires proof of vehicle ownership and insurance
- Coordination between countries' rental agencies needed
4. Currency and tax complications
- Rental agreements in different currencies
- Tax implications of cross-border transactions
- Billing coordination between country offices
5. Low demand balance
- Few travelers want to do the reverse route simultaneously
- Creates vehicle inventory imbalance
Which Companies Occasionally Allow Cross-Border One-Way
As of January 2026, cross-border one-way rentals are extremely rare. If you find a company offering this service:
- Expect to pay 2-3x the normal rental rate
- Drop-off fees will likely exceed $400-$500 USD
- Book months in advance (limited vehicle allocation)
- Get all terms in writing including insurance coverage
- Verify cross-border permits are included in the rental
Realistic expectation: Most travelers will find cross-border one-way rentals impractical due to cost, even if technically available.
Smart Alternatives to One-Way Rentals
Given the high costs and limited availability of one-way rentals, consider these practical alternatives:
1. Round-Trip from Central Location
Strategy: Rent from a central hub and return to the same location.
Best hubs:
- Punta Arenas: Access to Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales, Tierra del Fuego
- El Calafate: Access to Perito Moreno, El Chalten, Chilean border
- Puerto Montt: Access to Carretera Austral (northern section)
Example itinerary:
- Fly into Punta Arenas
- Rent car for 7 days
- Drive to Torres del Paine (3 days)
- Visit Puerto Natales (1 day)
- Explore Patagonian steppe (2 days)
- Return to Punta Arenas
- Fly out
Pros:
- No drop-off fees
- Lower rental rates
- Greater vehicle selection
- Simpler booking process
Cons:
- Some backtracking required
- Longer total driving distance
- Can't do fully linear routes
2. Bus or Flight + Car Rental
Strategy: Use public transport for one leg, rent car for the other.
Example 1: Chile to Argentina
- Fly into Punta Arenas
- Rent car, drive to Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales
- Return car to Punta Arenas
- Take bus to El Calafate (6 hours)
- Rent separate car in El Calafate for Argentine Patagonia
- Fly out from El Calafate
Example 2: Carretera Austral
- Fly into Puerto Montt
- Rent car, drive south on Carretera Austral to Coyhaique
- Return car to Coyhaique
- Fly Coyhaique to Punta Arenas
- Rent separate car for southern exploration
Pros:
- No drop-off fees
- Flexibility to explore both regions
- Often cheaper than one-way rental fees
Cons:
- More complex logistics
- Need to coordinate bus/flight schedules
- Multiple rental contracts
3. Rent Separately in Each Country
Strategy: For cross-border trips, rent one car in Chile and another in Argentina.
Example itinerary:
- Fly into Punta Arenas, Chile
- Rent Chilean car (7 days): Explore Torres del Paine, Puerto Natales
- Return car to Punta Arenas
- Cross border by bus to El Calafate, Argentina
- Rent Argentine car (5 days): Explore Perito Moreno, El Chalten
- Return car to El Calafate
- Fly out from El Calafate
Pros:
- No cross-border complications
- Local insurance coverage in each country
- Often cheaper than cross-border one-way fees
- Greater vehicle selection
Cons:
- Border crossing without car (bus or transfer service)
- Two rental contracts to manage
- Need to pack luggage between cars
4. Organized Transfer Services
Strategy: Use dedicated transfer services for border crossings or specific routes.
Available services:
- Punta Arenas ↔ El Calafate: Multiple daily shuttles ($40-$60 USD per person)
- Puerto Natales ↔ El Calafate: Daily shuttle services
- Airport transfers: Within each region
How it works:
- Rent car in Chile, explore, return to origin
- Book shuttle for border crossing
- Rent car in Argentina, explore, return to origin
Pros:
- No vehicle drop-off fees
- Handles border crossing for you
- Flexible scheduling
Cons:
- Additional cost for transfers
- Limited luggage space on shuttles
- Need to coordinate transfer timing with rental returns
Planning Tips for One-Way Rentals
If you decide to pursue a one-way rental despite the challenges, follow these tips:
Before Booking
1. Confirm one-way availability in writing
- Email or phone confirmation isn't enough
- Get written documentation of one-way policy
- Verify exact drop-off fee amount
2. Book far in advance
- One-way vehicles allocated months ahead
- Limited inventory for one-way routes
- Higher chance of availability with advance booking
3. Compare total costs
- Add drop-off fee to rental rate
- Compare to alternative strategies (round-trip + bus, etc.)
- Factor in time savings vs. cost increase
4. Verify insurance coverage
- For cross-border: Confirm insurance valid in both countries
- Check if cross-border permits included
- Understand liability limits
5. Check vehicle restrictions
- Some car models not allowed for one-way
- 4x4 vehicles may have different policies
- Minimum rental periods may apply
During Your Trip
1. Inspect vehicle thoroughly
- Document all existing damage with photos
- For cross-border: Extra important to avoid disputes
- Check spare tire, jack, safety equipment
2. Keep all documentation
- Rental agreement
- Cross-border permits (if applicable)
- Insurance certificates
- Drop-off confirmation
3. Plan drop-off timing
- Confirm drop-off location hours
- Allow buffer time for unexpected delays
- Verify after-hours drop-off procedures (if needed)
4. Fuel policy
- Most rentals require full-to-full fuel
- Note if cross-border rentals have different fuel policies
- Keep final fuel receipt
Realistic Cost Examples
Understanding the true cost of one-way rentals helps you make informed decisions.
Example 1: El Calafate → Punta Arenas (Cross-Border)
Desired route: 5-day rental, pick up El Calafate, drop off Punta Arenas
One-way rental cost:
- Base rental (5 days): $400 USD
- Cross-border fee: $200 USD
- One-way drop-off fee: $400 USD
- Total: $1,000 USD
Alternative: Round-trip + bus
- Rental in El Calafate (3 days round-trip): $180 USD
- Bus El Calafate → Punta Arenas: $50 USD
- Rental in Punta Arenas (2 days round-trip): $120 USD
- Total: $350 USD
Savings: $650 USD (65% cheaper)
Example 2: Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales (Within Chile)
Desired route: 4-day rental, pick up Punta Arenas, drop off Puerto Natales
One-way rental cost:
- Base rental (4 days): $240 USD
- One-way drop-off fee: $80 USD
- Total: $320 USD
Alternative: Round-trip from Punta Arenas
- Rental in Punta Arenas (4 days round-trip): $240 USD
- Extra fuel for round-trip: $40 USD
- Extra driving time: 5 hours total
- Total: $280 USD
Savings: $40 USD (12% cheaper, but requires backtracking)
Conclusion: For short distances within the same country, one-way fees may be worth the convenience. For cross-border or long distances, alternatives are dramatically cheaper.
Example 3: El Calafate → Ushuaia (Within Argentina)
Desired route: 6-day rental, pick up El Calafate, drop off Ushuaia
One-way rental cost:
- Base rental (6 days): $480 USD
- One-way drop-off fee: $200 USD
- Total: $680 USD
Alternative: Round-trip from El Calafate + flight
- Rental in El Calafate (3 days round-trip): $240 USD
- Flight El Calafate → Ushuaia: $150 USD
- Rental in Ushuaia (3 days round-trip): $240 USD
- Total: $630 USD
Savings: $50 USD (minimal savings, but more flexible)
Recommended Approach for Common Itineraries
Based on cost-benefit analysis, here are optimal strategies for popular Patagonia itineraries:
Torres del Paine + Perito Moreno Itinerary
DON'T: Rent in Punta Arenas, drive to El Calafate, drop off one-way
- Cost: ~$900 USD (rental + cross-border + one-way fee)
DO: Round-trip from Punta Arenas + day trip to El Calafate
- Rent car in Punta Arenas (5 days): $300 USD
- Drive to Torres del Paine (2-3 days)
- Visit Puerto Natales (1 day)
- Return to Punta Arenas
- Book organized day tour to Perito Moreno from Puerto Natales ($150 USD)
- Total: $450 USD (saves $450)
Alternative:
- Rent in Punta Arenas (3 days): $180 USD
- Bus to El Calafate: $50 USD
- Rent in El Calafate (3 days): $180 USD
- Total: $410 USD (saves $490, more flexibility)
Full Carretera Austral (Puerto Montt → Punta Arenas)
DON'T: Rent in Puerto Montt, drive to Punta Arenas, drop off one-way
- Cost: ~$1,200 USD (rental + one-way fee for 1,500+ km)
DO: Drive to Villa O'Higgins, return, then fly or bus south
- Rent in Puerto Montt (10 days round-trip): $600 USD
- Drive to Villa O'Higgins and back (northern Carretera Austral)
- Return car to Puerto Montt
- Fly Puerto Montt → Punta Arenas: $120 USD
- Rent in Punta Arenas (5 days): $300 USD for southern exploration
- Total: $1,020 USD (saves $180, less exhausting)
Complete Argentine Patagonia (Bariloche → Ushuaia)
DON'T: Rent in Bariloche, drive to Ushuaia, drop off one-way
- Cost: ~$1,400 USD (rental + long-distance one-way fee)
DO: Fly between regions, rent separately
- Rent in Bariloche (4 days round-trip): $280 USD
- Fly Bariloche → El Calafate: $150 USD
- Rent in El Calafate (4 days round-trip): $280 USD
- Fly El Calafate → Ushuaia: $150 USD
- Rent in Ushuaia (3 days round-trip): $240 USD
- Total: $1,100 USD (saves $300, more efficient)
When One-Way Rentals Make Sense
Despite the challenges, there are situations where one-way rentals can be worthwhile:
Short distances within the same country
- Punta Arenas → Puerto Natales (250 km, $50-$100 fee)
- El Calafate → El Chalten (220 km, $80-$120 fee)
- Drop-off fee is relatively small compared to rental cost
Time-constrained itineraries
- When backtracking would eat into limited vacation days
- If saving 5-6 hours of driving is worth $100-$150
Group travel
- Drop-off fee split among 4-5 people becomes more reasonable
- $200 fee = $40-$50 per person
Premium experience priority
- When convenience and seamless travel outweigh cost savings
- For travelers with higher budgets
Multi-country trips with strategic positioning
- If your overall trip routing makes one-way the only logical choice
- Example: Flying into Punta Arenas, flying out of Ushuaia (different countries)
Sources & References
For one-way rental availability and current policies, contact these rental companies directly:
Chile:
- Europcar Chile: reservas@europcar.cl | +56 600 2000 000
- Hertz Chile: reservas@hertz.cl | +56 600 300 3040
- Budget Chile: reservas@budget.cl | +56 2 2795 3900
Argentina:
- Check with local agencies in El Calafate, El Chalten, Ushuaia
- International chains operate with limited one-way coordination
Additional resources:
- PatagoniaHub Car Rental Guide - Complete rental planning guide
- El Calafate Car Rental Guide - Argentine Patagonia rentals
- Puerto Natales vs Punta Arenas Rental - Comparing Chilean rental hubs
Plan Your Patagonia Road Trip
Need help planning your Patagonia car rental strategy? PatagoniaHub offers comprehensive resources and booking assistance for both round-trip and one-way rental scenarios.
Explore our car rental services:
- Browse rental vehicles - Compare cars and prices
- Complete rental guide - Essential planning information
- Contact our team - Get personalized rental recommendations
Whether you choose a traditional round-trip rental or pursue a one-way option, proper planning ensures you get the best value for your Patagonia adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car in Chile and drop it off in Argentina?
Cross-border one-way rentals between Chile and Argentina are extremely rare and expensive. Most rental companies don't offer this service. When available, expect to pay 2-3x the normal rental rate plus drop-off fees of $300-$500 USD or more. Round-trip rentals or renting separately in each country are more practical alternatives.
How much does a one-way car rental cost in Patagonia?
Within-country one-way rentals typically cost $100-$400 USD extra depending on distance. Short routes like Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales may cost $50-$100, while longer routes like El Calafate to Ushuaia can be $150-$250 or more. Cross-border one-way rentals, when available, can cost $300-$500+ in additional fees.
Which rental companies offer one-way rentals in Patagonia?
Major international companies like Europcar, Hertz, and Budget occasionally offer same-country one-way rentals on popular routes. However, availability is limited and must be confirmed at booking. Local Patagonian rental companies typically do not offer one-way rentals at all. Always verify one-way policies in writing before booking.
What are the best alternatives to one-way car rentals in Patagonia?
The most cost-effective alternatives include: (1) Round-trip rental from a central location like Punta Arenas or El Calafate, (2) Combining bus or flight for one leg of your journey with a car rental for the other, (3) Renting separately in Chile and Argentina for cross-border itineraries, or (4) Using organized transfer services for specific routes.
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